Chapter 20: Something is not right

"Right then," Gorn clapped his hands together, a grin splitting his weathered face. "Time to head home!"

William felt a surge of anticipation. Home. It had been strange being away from Willow Creek, even for just a few days. He missed the familiar creak of the floorboards in Gorn's cabin, the smell of Elara's baking bread, and the playful banter with Maya.

They gathered their gear and left the guild hall, the midday sun glinting off the cobblestones. William, sword secure at his hip and scrolls tucked safely in his pack, felt a thrill course through him. This was it – his first real adventure beyond the village.

At the stables, William's horse, a spirited bay mare, nickered a greeting. He swung into the saddle, feeling a familiar sense of freedom as he settled in.

Gorn, Aella, Borin, and Kael mounted their own steeds. With a final nod to each other, they rode out of Alderanth, the city gates closing behind them like a final farewell. The road to Willow Creek beckoned, a familiar path winding through rolling hills and whispering forests.

The journey was a welcome change. William spent hours practicing his mana manipulation, striving for a steady flow of energy despite the horse's rhythmic gait. He watched the adventurers, their practiced movements and easy confidence a testament to their years of experience.

Aella, the mage, conjured flames with a flick of her wrist, her spells illuminating the twilight forest with bursts of fiery brilliance. Borin, a giant of a man, wielded his axe with a power that made William's own sword feel like a feather. Kael, ever the rogue, seemed to melt into the shadows, his movements fluid and silent.

Evenings were spent under the vast expanse of the night sky. William, Gorn, and the adventurers shared stories and laughter around the campfire. Gorn, a seasoned warrior and a patient teacher, offered William guidance on his training, emphasizing the importance of discipline and focus. William, in turn, found himself captivated by Gorn's tales of daring battles and narrow escapes.

One night, as the embers glowed and the stars twinkled overhead, William found himself thinking of Elara and Maya. He missed Elara's warm smile and Maya's teasing laughter. He wondered how they were faring, if they were worried about Gorn and him.

After days of travel, they finally crested the last hill and saw Willow Creek nestled in the valley below. But as they rode into the village, a sense of unease settled over William. The usual bustle was absent, replaced by an unsettling quiet. The villagers they passed seemed withdrawn and fearful.

"Gorn," William's voice was tight with worry. "Something's not right."

Gorn nodded grimly. He stopped a passing villager, his voice rough with concern. "Friend, has something happened while we were away?"

The villager's face crumpled. "Old Man Hemlock... he's gone. Taken by a corrupted beast."

Gorn's expression hardened. "A corrupted beast? Here?"

The villager nodded miserably. "It happened so fast. No one could stop it."

A wave of dread washed over William. The corruption was worse than they feared, reaching into the heart of their home.

Gorn, his face pale, spurred his horse forward. "Come on, lad! To the cabin!"

They raced through the silent village, anxiety gnawing at them. William felt a surge of protectiveness for Elara and Maya. He had to make sure they were safe.

They reached the cabin, and Gorn burst through the door, his voice echoing through the small space. "Elara! Maya!"

A moment of breathless silence, then a cry of relief. "Gorn!"

Elara rushed out, her face etched with worry, but her eyes shining with relief at the sight of her husband. Behind her, Maya appeared, her expression a mixture of joy and concern.

Gorn pulled them into a tight embrace. William stood back, a wave of warmth washing over him. Elara and Maya were safe. For now.

But the danger wasn't over. The corruption lurked, a shadow hanging over their village.

The weight of Hemlock's death settled over the small cabin. Gorn, his arm still protectively around Elara and Maya, turned to the adventurers, his expression grim. "It seems we have a serious problem," he said, his voice heavy. "The corruption has struck the village itself."

Aella, her silver eyes blazing with determination, nodded sharply. "We need to act quickly. This cannot be allowed to spread."

Borin, his imposing figure radiating strength, gripped his axe tightly. "Where was this creature last sighted?"

"Near the old oak grove," a villager called from the doorway, where a small crowd had gathered, drawn by the commotion. "At the edges of the Blackwood."

"Then that's where we're headed," Kael declared, already moving towards the door, his daggers glinting ominously.

William, his heart pounding with a mix of fear and excitement, stepped forward. "I'm going with you!"

Aella turned to him, a flicker of concern in her eyes. "William, it's best you stay here. The Blackwood is dangerous, especially now."

"But I can help!" William insisted, his hand instinctively reaching for his sword. "I've begun my magic training."

Borin let out a gruff chuckle. "Lad, fighting a corrupted beast isn't a child's game. You need more than a few magic tricks for that."

Gorn placed a reassuring hand on William's shoulder. "He's right, William. It's too dangerous. Stay here with Elara and Maya. They need you here."

Gorn turned to the adventurers, his gaze resolute. "I'll go with you. The village needs to see that we will not cower in fear." He looked at William, his eyes filled with a fatherly concern. "Keep them safe, lad."

As Gorn and the adventurers disappeared into the twilight, William felt a pang of frustration. He longed to be by Gorn's side, fighting alongside him, proving his worth.

But he knew that his duty lay here, protecting Elara and Maya. He clenched his fists, a new resolve hardening his gaze. 'I will become stronger,' he vowed silently. 'Strong enough to face any danger, strong enough to protect those I care about.'

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